How Scotland World Cup call up got one over ex-England star dad as allegiance switch explained

David Hirst, after all, is a bona fide legend at Sheffield Wednesday, played in two cup finals, scored more than 100 goals, was a Premier League regular for seven seasons for Wednesday and then Southampton, won three England caps and once held the record for the fastest hit shot, a howitzer against Arsenal that crashed against the crossbar at 114mph. Beat that, son.

Fellow striker George hasn’t had those same levels of success throughout a peripatetic career but will in the next few weeks finally get one over on his old man when he heads to North America as part of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad.

“My dad’s dad was from Scotland so my dad couldn't have been prouder,” revealed the 27-year-old. “I think after my missus, he was the first person I spoke to. He was absolutely delighted. It was quite a nice moment to be fair because he never got the chance to go to a World Cup.

“That was the first thing in the 27 years that I've been on this planet that I've had over him, which was quite nice. I've mentioned it a few times since last Tuesday. But he's incredibly proud, as are all my family.”

In a parallel universe, Hirst could have been heading to the USA with three lions on his shirt. The Ipswich Town forward was part of the England youth set-up from under-16s to under-20s but found his pathway to the first team blocked by the sheer volume of competition.

Scotland, of course, aren’t quite as blessed with goalscoring options, making it a straightforward decision for both player and national association to approach FIFA to process a change of allegiance. That came in March 2025, with the player then making his debut against Greece before scoring his only Scotland goal to date against Liechtenstein in June.

Those who take the criteria for international eligibility very seriously might take a dim view on such opportunism but Hirst insists this is more than a flag of convenience. He speaks fondly of his memories of his grandad, Eric, who passed away when Hirst was young and a determination even back then to represent his Scottish roots if he could. There was no hesitation, then, when Clarke called 14 months ago, even if the chance to play at the World Cup wasn’t at the forefront of his mind.

“No, it wasn't really something that I was thinking about,” he admits. “It was an opportunity to represent my grandad. He was Eric Hirst, my dad is David Eric Hirst and I'm George David Eric Hirst. My son's going to have a hell of a driving licence!

“My grandad is no longer with us but he would have been extremely proud of me. I remember when I was younger and was kicking the ball around in his back garden it was always scoring a goal for Scotland. It was never anything else. That was a massive factor in it. Did I think I would be going to the World Cup 14 months ago? Probably not. I think that's why when I got an email last week [that he was in the squad] it did feel so special.”

Hirst will seek out a first Hampden goal in Saturday’s home farewell against Curacao to strengthen his chances of featuring in the World Cup itself. A bright, engaging and positive character, his role off the pitch during the tournament downtime might just be as vital as what he does on it.

“I'm a bit of an avid golfer myself. I think the boys play a bit of cards, go for coffees, doing all that sort of stuff, going for a few meals and whatnot. When we get the chance, it will be nice to mentally reset more than anything.”

Hirst remains unsure whether his dad will be joining the Tartan Army in person but says the one-time England striker will be backing blue regardless.

“I don't know if you'll get him wearing a kilt…and I don't think anyone wants to see that, to be honest. I think he'll be heading over there. And, if not, I know he'll be at home or watching it in the pub with all his mates. There'll be a lot of the Scotland flags out, the Scotland tops on and all that sort of stuff. He'll dress his local boozer up as the home away from home for everyone.”